Storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A storage and management assembly for a plurality of portable electronic devices is provided. The assembly includes a tower assembly to define a vertical channel along a first side of the tower assembly. A plurality of shelves are removably coupled to a second side of the tower assembly, each of the shelves includes a storage bay defined by a bottom portion provided perpendicular to the first member, and opposing raised edge portions provided about a portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion, the plurality of shelves provided in stacked vertical arrangement along the tower assembly. Rear support shelves protrude rearwardly from the shelf bottom portion and through tower support first receiving slots to support electrical apparatus within the channel for powering portable electronic devices placed on the shelf bottom portions. A rear frame is connected to the channel for supporting the tower assembly on a stationary or movable base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/076,260, entitled“Improved Storage and Charging Station System for Portable ElectronicDevices,” filed on Mar. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,076,050 issued onSep. 11, 2018, which claims the benefit of the disclosure of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/135,549, filed on Mar. 19, 2015,entitled “Improve Storage and Charging Station System for PortableElectronic Devices,” and claims the benefit of the disclosure of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/185,375, filed on Jun. 26, 2015,entitled “Improved Mobile Storage and Charging Station System forPortable Electronic Devices,” and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/136,644, entitled “Storageand Charging Station System for Portable Electronic Devices,” filed onDec. 20, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,084,327 issued on Sep. 25, 2018,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/745,295,filed on Dec. 21, 2012, the contents of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage and charging systems forelectronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates toa system for centralized storage, charging, deployment, and inventoryingof a plurality of portable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices are generally known in the art. Portableelectronic devices are quickly becoming common place in personal andprofessional endeavors, including educational and business settings.While use of portable electronic devices initially grew with individualuse, organizations, including educational and business organizations,now will purchase a number of portable electronic devices for use bystudents, employees, or other users.

These purchasing organizations may desire a certain amount of controlupon the portable electronic devices. The amount of control to assertmay be dependent upon a number of factors considered by organizations,including, but not limited to, management of the portable electronicdevices, inventory of the portable electronic devices, the type of userof portable electronic devices, the number of users for each portableelectronic device, the environment in which the portable electronicdevice is in use, the relationship between the user and organization,the number of portable electronic devices in use, updating andmaintenance of the portable electronic devices, and/or minimizing riskof loss and/or replacement costs of the portable electronic devices.Which factor(s) have the greatest weight dictating the necessary amountof control will be dependent upon the specific purchasing organization.

For example, in a school setting, a portable electronic device may beassigned to a specific student. That student may pick up the portableelectronic device at a certain time during the school day, such as atthe beginning of the school day, use it throughout the school day, andreturn the portable electronic device at the end of the school day. Inanother example, in a school setting, a classroom of students may use anumber of portable electronic devices for a period of time during theday. As the students turn over in the classroom, such as by changingclasses during the day, different students may use the number ofportable electronic devices. As such, a plurality of different studentsmay use a single portable electronic device during a day. In both ofthese examples, while utilizing the portable electronic devices as aneducational tool is an outstanding way for students to learn, it canlead to issues in maintaining the portable electronic devices. Forexample, it may be difficult to inventory the devices during the day,charge or recharge the devices, account for the return of all devicesonce students complete use of the devices, and/or efficiently deploy newsoftware or associated updates.

Similar to a school setting, portable electronic devices may be deployedfor public use at libraries or other public access buildings. In thissetting, the portable electronic devices may be checked out to users fora period of time. Again, many of the same problems as would arise in aneducational setting, such as the ability to inventory or account for thereturn of all devices, may arise at these public settings.

As another example, businesses or hospitals/medical service providersmay deploy portable electronic devices in association with businessoperations or providing medical services, respectively. In order forefficiency or operational gains to be realized by use of the portableelectronic devices, the portable electronic devices must be operationaland must be used. The inability of the business or medical serviceprovider to control the portable electronic devices can interrupt anyefficiency or operational gains. For example, should an employee take aportable electronic device from the premises and forget to return it,that employee will not be able to use the portable electronic deviceduring performance of his or her job. Similarly, if an employee fails tocharge or recharge the battery of the portable electronic device, theportable electronic device can run out of power during an employee'swork day, rendering the portable electronic device useless. As anotherexample, should an employee remove the portable electronic device fromthe premises, the information stored on the electronic device may bemisappropriated. This and other situations not referenced can lead toinefficiencies and unnecessary risks of loss.

As another example, various service industries may deploy portableelectronic devices in association with the performance of services. Asan example, certain service providers may employ a plurality ofemployees whom are deployed off-site to perform their job. Theseemployees may each require a portable electronic device in theperformance of their job responsibilities. In addition, these employeesmay require daily travel in the performance of their jobresponsibilities. Again, many of the same problems as recited above,such as forgetting, misplacing, losing, or failing to fully rechargeportable electronic devices, or the failure of employees to properlymaintain the portable electronic devices, may lead to interruption ofefficiency, loss of operational gains, and/or unnecessary risk of loss.

As another example, sports teams may deploy portable electronic devicesin association with preparation of athletes for sporting activities. Forexample, local, college, and/or professional sports teams may employportable electronic devices to communicate plays or other game planningmaterials for athletes. For example, a sports team, such as an Americanfootball team, may communicate a playbook on a portable electronicdevice assigned to each player. While the portable electronic devicesprovide the ability for the player to easily transport and use gamepreparation materials outside of athletic facilities, there are somedisadvantages. For example, it can be difficult for the sports team toeasily and efficiently update game planning materials. Again using theexample of an American football team, a professional team typically has53 active players divided between offense and defense. Game planningmaterials typically are updated on a weekly basis depending upon theopponent any given week. Accordingly, it can be difficult to quickly andefficiently distribute updated game preparation materials to theportable electronic devices assigned to each of the players. Further,the updating and distribution process becomes more onerous consideringthe minimum frequency of weekly update distribution.

Accordingly, what is needed is a system for centrally storing a numberof portable electronic devices in a predetermined location. In addition,the system would allow for the batteries of the portable electronicdevices to be charged and/or recharged. In addition, the system wouldprovide a system for locking or protecting the portable electronicdevices from misuse or theft. In addition, the system would provide asystematic fashion to facilitate storage, security, accountability, andinstant inventory verification for the efficient management and use ofthe portable electronic devices. In addition, the system would providefor convenient and easy movement of the mobile tower assembly betweenlocations for storage, for charging of loaded electronic devices and forself-dispensing and/or return of portable electronic devices by users atconvenient user sites.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides one or more examples of embodiments of astorage system for portable electronic devices. The system additionallyprovides for the charging and/or recharging of batteries which operatethe portable electronic devices. The system additionally has a verticalprofile to allow for the storage and charging of a number of portableelectronic devices while minimizing the amount of space consumed by thesystem. The system additionally is expandable, providing for the easyaddition or removal of storage bays. In addition, the system providesfor easy verification of inventory and confirmation of device charging,as each of the storage bays has unique spacing and a tapered sidearrangement to allow the contents of each storage bay to be easilyvisible. Further, the system implements a cable management system toprovide for centralized charging and/or data distribution to theplurality of devices while reducing the visibility and entanglement ofassociated cables. In addition, the system distributes power to theplurality of devices to facilitate charging or recharging of thedevices. The system further may incorporate a locking assembly to lockthe plurality of devices into the assembly and reduce the risk of devicetheft. The storage and charging system advantageously provides for acentral location for the storage, inventory, and identification ofportable electronic devices, assisting in the deployment, inventory,management, and theft reduction of large numbers of portable electronicdevices.

A storage and management assembly for a plurality of portable electronicdevices is provided. The assembly includes a tower assembly having afirst member coupled to a second member, and the first member coupled toa third member, the second and third members extending away from thefirst member to define a vertical channel along a first side of thetower assembly. In addition, a plurality of shelves are coupled to asecond side of the tower assembly, wherein the second side is oppositethe first side, each of the shelves includes a storage bay defined by abottom portion provided generally perpendicular to the first member,opposing raised edge portions provided about a portion of the perimeterof the bottom portion, the plurality of shelves provided in a stackedvertically spaced arrangement along the tower assembly.

In addition, a storage and management tower assembly for a plurality ofportable electronic devices is provided. The assembly includes a towersupport, a cable management system defined by the tower support, thecable management system includes a central channel provided on a firstside of the tower support, a plurality of shelves coupled to a secondside of the tower support, the second side being opposite the firstside, the plurality of shelves are provided in vertical alignment alongthe tower support, each of the plurality of shelves includes a storagebay defined by a bottom portion provided perpendicular to the towersupport, opposing raised edge portions provided about a portion of theperimeter of the bottom portion, and back tabs provided about a portionof the perimeter of the bottom portion, a plurality of cable aperturesprovided through the tower support, wherein at least one cable aperturemay be provided for each of the plurality of shelves, and a plurality ofshelf apertures, wherein at least one shelf aperture may be provided ineach of the plurality of shelves, the at least one shelf aperture isprovided in one of the opposing raised edge portions or back tabs,wherein the cable management system facilitates storage and protectionof one or more cables by allowing the one or more cables to extend fromthe central channel, through any such plurality of cable apertures,through the plurality of shelf apertures, to each of the shelves.

An expandable storage assembly for storing a plurality of portableelectronic devices is also provided. The assembly includes a towersupport portion having a first member coupled to a second member, and athird member coupled to the first member, the second and third membersbeing provided at an angle to the first member such that the first,second, and third members define a vertical channel provided on a firstside of the tower support portion. A plurality of vertically stackedshelves are coupled to a second side of the tower support portion, thesecond side being opposite the first side, each of the shelves include astorage bay defined by opposing first and second edge portions whichextend away from a bottom portion, the first and second edge portionsmay have a tapered height as the first and second edge portions extendaway from the tower support to provide visibility into each of thestacked shelves.

An improved storage management system for electronic devices isprovided, having shelves with a cutout allowing the user to easily grabthe electronic device off the chosen shelf where the device is stored.

An improved storage management system for electronic devices is alsoprovided with a snap-in system adapted to accept multiple shelf sizes.This feature allows for multiple device types to be stored in the sametower with the appropriate shelf size. The snap-in fastening featureallows the easy customization of the tower and shelf sizes.

An improved storage management system for electronic devices is alsoprovided with a cable management system that is access paneled and hasspecialized apertures for safe and neat organization of chargingdevices.

An improved storage management system for electronic devices is alsoprovided having a specialized coupling mechanism between the tower andbase. Further, the improved storage management system for electronicdevices is specially adapted to sit on the floor and anchor in part intothe wall.

An improved mobile charging and storage system for portable electronicdevices is provided, having substantially all of the structure andadvantages of the structure of FIGS. 1-12 of referenced U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/135,549, and additional advantages. The storagesystem disclosed herein exemplarily includes an improved mobile basewhich will securely support in a stationary position a tower assemblyhaving a tower support as shown by FIGS. 1-12 referenced above, andother tower supports as disclosed herein, and which also convenientlymay combine with a securely engaged support frame or modified towersupport to permit convenient and easy dolly-like movement of theassembled and loaded mobile tower assembly between locations forstorage, for charging of loaded electronic devices, and forself-dispensing and/or return of portable electronic devices by users atconvenient user sites.

An improved mobile charging and storage system for electronic devices isprovided, having shelf portions for individually and securely receivingportable electronic devices in lockable compact storage arrays whichprevent unauthorized withdrawal of electronic devices, but facilitateconvenient loading and unloading of the portable devices on and from theshelf portions by authorized users at convenient locations within orexternally of multi-function facilities.

An improved mobile charging and storage system for electronic devices isprovided, having lockable compartment space for securing powerdistribution strips and connectors, charging and data transfer cables,and other power access and distribution circuit components when themobile charging and storage system is in transit or otherwise positionedand stored in use or charging or storage locations.

Specific details regarding the previously disclosed features andadvantages, as well as further features and advantages are disclosedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of astorage and charging station system for portable electronic devices.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the storage and charging stationsystem of FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an example of an embodiment of a shelfportion which may be attached to a tower support of the storage andcharging station system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the shelf portion of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the storage and charging stationsystem of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a first side elevation view of the storage and chargingstation system of FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a second side elevation view of the storage and chargingstation system of FIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a top down plan view of one or more examples of embodiments ofa storage and charging station system for portable electronic devicesillustrating a power supply mounted in the channel of the tower support.

FIG. 7 is a partial rear elevation view of the storage and chargingstation system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of astorage and charging station system for portable electronic devicesincorporating a locking assembly.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the storage and charging stationsystem of FIG. 8, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the storage and charging stationsystem of FIG. 8, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a first side elevation view of the storage and chargingstation system of FIG. 8, taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a second side elevation view of the storage and chargingstation system of FIG. 8, taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a top down view of one or more examples of embodiments of astorage and charging station system for portable electronic devices,wherein the system includes multiple rows of vertically spaced shelves.

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view the storage and charging stationsystem of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of astorage and charging station system for portable electronic devices,wherein the system includes multiple rows of vertically spaced shelvesand a semi-static base.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of astorage and charging station system for portable electronic devices,wherein the system includes multiple rows of vertically spaced shelvesand a mobile base.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of acounter top storage and charging system for portable electronic devices,wherein the system includes a plurality of vertically spaced shelves.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of aplurality of portable carrier storage and charging assemblies, eachcarrier being adapted to contain a plurality of portable electronicdevices, which assemblies are detachably mounted on a tower assembly ofthe invention.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a portable carrier storage andcharging assembly of FIG. 18 detached from a tower assembly.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view showing the front, right and top sides ofthe portable carrier storage and charging assembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view showing the rear, right and top sides ofthe portable carrier storage and charging assembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a front-side isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of astorage and charging station system adapted to sit on a desktop andhaving an exemplary vertical tower support with projecting shelves withopen cutout areas to facilitate hand removal of electronic devices whichmay be supported by the shelves.

FIG. 23 is an isometric side view of the storage and charging stationsystem of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the bottom of the base of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is an isometric back side view of the storage and chargingstation system of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is an isometric left rear side view of the storage and chargingstation system of FIG. 22, wherein a rear corner access panel is removedfrom the vertical tower support to permit visual access to the interiorof the tower support.

FIG. 27 is an isometric right rear view of another exemplary embodimentof the invention wherein a rear access panel is removed from thevertical tower support to permit visual access to the interior of thetower support.

FIG. 28 is an isometric left rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 27 withthe rear corner access panel in place on the tower support.

FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of an exemplary improved embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 30 is a partial side view of the tower and upper shelves of theassembly of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is another partial side and rear view of the upper shelves ofthe assembly of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31a is another partial side view of an exemplary improvedembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of one or more examples of exemplaryembodiments of an improved mobile storage and charging station of thepresent invention for housing, charging, transporting, providing andreturning portable electronic devices.

FIG. 33 is an isometric view of the mobile base unit for the improvedmobile storage and charging station of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the mobile base unit of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front plan view of the mobile base unit of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a side plan view of the mobile base unit of FIG. 33.

FIG. 39 is a section view of the improved mobile storage and chargingstation of FIG. 38, taken along Section Line A-A of FIG. 40.

FIG. 40 is a rear plan view of the improved mobile storage and chargingstation of FIG. 38.

FIG. 41 is an isometric view of the mobile base unit for the improvedmobile storage and charging station of FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is a front plan view of the mobile base unit of FIG. 41.

FIG. 30 is a partial side view of the tower and upper shelves of theassembly of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is another partial side and rear view of the upper shelves ofthe assembly of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31a is another partial side view of an exemplary improvedembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of one or more examples of exemplaryembodiments of an improved mobile storage and charging station of thepresent invention for housing, charging, transporting, providing andreturning portable electronic devices.

FIG. 33 is an isometric view of the mobile base unit for the improvedmobile storage and charging station of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the mobile base unit of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front plan view of the mobile base unit of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a side plan view of the mobile base unit of FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 is a rear plan view of the improved mobile storage and chargingstation of FIG. 32.

FIG. 38 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of theimproved mobile storage and charging station of the invention forhousing, charging transporting, providing and returning portableelectronic devices.

FIG. 39 is a section view of the improved mobile storage and chargingstation of FIG. 38, taken along Section Line A-A of FIG. 40.

FIG. 40 is a rear plan view of the improved mobile storage and chargingstation of FIG. 38.

FIG. 41 is an isometric view of the mobile base unit for the improvedmobile storage and charging station of FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is a front plan view of the mobile base unit of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a side view of the improved mobile storage and chargingstation of FIG. 38 oriented in an inclined position as for movement likea loaded dolly to transport the station and its contents from one pointof storage, charging or user access to another.

FIG. 44 is an isometric left rear view of another exemplary embodimentof an improved storage and charging system of the present invention forhousing, charging, providing and returning portable electronic devices.

FIG. 45 is a front plan view of the improved storage and charging systemof FIG. 44.

FIG. 45a is a top plan view of the improved storage and charging systemof FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is an isometric right front side view of the improved storageand charging system of FIG. 44.

FIG. 47 is a section view of the improved storage and charging system ofFIG. 44, taken along Section Line A-A of FIG. 45.

FIG. 48 is a side plan view of the improved storage and charging systemof FIG. 44.

FIG. 48a is a section view of the improved storage and charging systemof FIG. 44, taken along Section Line B-B.

FIG. 49 is a rear plan view of the improved storage and charging systemof FIG. 44.

FIG. 49a is an enlarged detail drawing of the encircled portion 49 a ofFIG. 49.

FIG. 49b is an enlarged detail exploded isometric view of the J-hookassembly shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 50 is an isometric right front side view of the improved storageand charging system of FIG. 44 mounted on a rear frame attached to astationary base stand.

FIG. 51 is an isometric left rear view of the improved storage andcharging system of FIG. 50, showing a rear door pivotably mounted on therear frame and shown in a partially open position.

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the improved storage and charging systemof FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is an isometric right front side view of the frame of FIG. 50detached from the improved storage and charging system and stationarybase stand of FIG. 50.

FIG. 54 is a front plan view of a length of square metal tubing fromwhich the rear frame of FIG. 50 is fabricated, showing notches andtapered ends cut from the front, right and rear sides of the tube toprepare the tube for bending of the left side of the tube to close thenotches and ends for welding to form the closed rectangular frame ofsquared tubing, as shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is an isometric right front side view of the improved storageand charging system and rear frame of FIG. 50 attached to a mobile framewith wheels.

FIG. 56 is an isometric left rear side view of the improved storage andcharging system and rear frame of FIG. 50 attached to the mobile frame.

FIG. 57 is a top section view of the improved storage and chargingsystem taken along Section Line A-A of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a front view of the rear door of the improved storage andcharging system of FIGS. 50. and 55, detached from the frame to show thehang tabs for insertion within the rear frame to pivotally support thedoor on the frame, and to further show the engagement tabs on theopposite side of the door for engaging the rear side wall of the frameto position the adjacent side of the door within the inner margin of theframe.

FIG. 58a is a top view of the door of FIG. 58.

FIG. 58b is an enlarged partial top view of FIG. 58a showing theengagement tabs of FIG. 58 in more detail.

It should be understood that the Figures are not necessarily to scalewith each other, but do accurately show the disclosed details of theillustrated embodiments of the drawings. In certain instances, detailsthat are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or renderother details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It shouldalso be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to theparticular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention illustrated in the Figures and disclosed herein isgenerally directed to one or more embodiments of a storage and chargingstation system for portable electronic devices. For ease of discussionand understanding, the following detailed description will at timesrefer to a “portable electronic device” 50, an “electronic device” 50,or a “plurality of electronic devices” 50. While certain Figuresillustrate an electronic device 50 as a laptop computer, it should beappreciated that an electronic device may be any suitable portableelectronic device requiring storage and/or battery charging orrecharging. For example, an electronic device 50 may include, but is notlimited to, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a notebook computer,a Google Chromebook™ computer, a tablet device (such as an Apple iPad®,Samsung Galaxy®, or Microsoft Surface®, or any similar known or futuredeveloped tablet), a mobile smartphone, or any other known or futuredeveloped mobile or portable electronic device.

Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one or more examplesof embodiments of a storage and charging station assembly. Referring toFIG. 1, a tower assembly 100 is provided. Tower assembly 100 may includea mounting support portion or tower support 110. A plurality of shelfportions 130 may be coupled to tower support 110. Each of the pluralityof shelf portions 130 defines a storage bay 160 for receiving anelectronic device 50 (not shown). The plurality of shelf portions 130may be provided in a linear, spaced or stacked configuration on towersupport 110. This configuration advantageously conserves space,minimizing the footprint of assembly 100. While mounting support portion110 of FIG. 1 illustrates an array of sixteen shelf portions 130 coupledthereto, it should be appreciated in one or more examples of embodimentsthat the mounting support portion 110 may be any suitable size or lengthto support any desired number of shelf portions 130, which may be morethan sixteen or less than sixteen. In addition, in one or more examplesof embodiments, any desired or suitable number of shelf portions 130 maybe provided on tower assembly 100. For example, a desk top arrangementof tower assembly 100 having fewer than sixteen shelf portions 130 maybe provided, wherein the tower assembly 100 is free standing or includesa support base, for positioning on a desk, table, shelf, or any otherdesired structure. The tower assembly components may be constructed ofpowder coated aluminum, injection molded plastic or any other suitablestructure. In addition, the tower assembly may be customized with one ormore different colors including school colors, identifying businesscolors, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, support portion 110 may include a firstsupport member or portion 111, a second support member or portion 112,and a third support member or portion 113. More specifically, firstmember 111 may be coupled to second member 112, and first member 111 maybe coupled to third member 113. Preferably, second and third members112, 113 are provided at an angle to first member 111 to define a cablemanagement channel 116 and may consist of a single unitary sheet bent orformed into a single channel shape. As such, channel 116 is defined byfirst, second, and third members 111, 112, 113. Channel 116 is providedon the side of first member 111 opposite the plurality of shelf portions130. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, second and third members 112, 113may be provided parallel to one another, and further providedapproximately perpendicular to first member 111. However, in one or moreexamples of embodiments, second and third members 112, 113 may beprovided at any suitable angle to first member 111 to define channel116. First, second, and third members 111, 112, 113 may be formed of aunitary pressed, bent or molded material. However, it should beappreciated that in one or more examples of embodiments, first, second,and third members 111, 112, 113 may be two or more pieces coupledtogether, for example by weld.

Support portion 110 may also include a first wall engaging tab or fourthsupport member or portion 114 and a second wall engaging tab or fifthsupport member or portion 115. First wall engaging tab 114 may becoupled to second member 112, while second wall engaging tab 115 may becoupled to third member 113. Wall engaging tabs 114, 115 may be providedapproximately planar to one another to facilitate coupling to a flatsurface, such as a wall. In addition, wall engaging tabs 114, 115 may beprovided approximately parallel to first member 111. In addition, wallengaging tabs 114, 115 may be provided at an angle to second and thirdmembers 112, 113. For example, as illustrated, wall engaging tabs 114,115 may be provided approximately perpendicular to second and thirdmembers 112, 113. As illustrated in FIG. 3, wall engaging tabs 114, 115may each include one or more mounting apertures 122 adapted to receive amounting member (not shown), such as a screw, nail, or any othersuitable mounting device. Mounting member may be used to mount assembly100 to a surface, such as a wall. First, second, and third members 111,112, 113 and wall engaging tabs 114, 115 may be formed of a unitarymaterial. However, it should be appreciated that in one or more examplesof embodiments, first, second, and third members 111, 112, 113 and wallengaging tabs 114, 115 may be two or more pieces coupled together, forexample by weld.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the plurality of shelf portions130 may include a bottom portion 131, a first edge portion 132, and asecond edge portion 133. Referring to FIG. 2, each shelf portion 130 mayalso include a first back tab 134 and a second back tab 135, which backtabs may each be formed from a portion of the bottom portion 131, orfrom a portion of the adjacent first edge portion 132 or second edgeportion 133, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, a single back tab couldextend across all or a portion of the back margin of the shelf 130.First edge portion 132, second edge portion 133, first back tab 134, andsecond back tab 135 generally surround a portion of the perimeter ofbottom portion 131 and define a storage bay for an electronic device. Inaddition, first and second edge portions 132, 133, and first and secondback tabs 134, 135 may be provided approximately perpendicular to theplane of bottom portion 131. As such, first and second edge portions132, 133, and first and second back tabs 134, 135 may assist in theretention of a portable electrical device in the storage bay by forminga portion of the perimeter of bottom portion 131.

Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, first and second edge portions 132, 133may have a tapered height as shown. As first and second edge portions132, 133 extend away from back tabs 134, 135, the height of first andsecond edge portions 132, 133, as measured by a distance perpendicularto bottom portion 131, decreases. Stated otherwise, the edge of firstand second edge portions 132, 133 furthest away from bottom portion 131has a negative slope from an edge closest to back tabs 134, 135 to anedge furthest away from back tabs 134, 135. The decreasing slope ordecreasing height creates sufficient open area to allow for a user toquickly and accurately identify, confirm, and/or inventory electronicdevices stored in the storage bay of each shelf portion 130.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the plurality of shelf portions 130may include one or more retaining tabs 136. Retaining tabs 136 mayproject away from bottom portion 131. In addition, retaining tabs 136are preferably parallel to bottom portion 131. Each of the plurality ofshelf portions 130 may also include one or more retaining hooks 137. Aretaining hook 137 may be respectively coupled to first and second backtabs 134, 135. Retaining hooks 137 preferably project away from firstand second back tabs 134, 135. Further, retaining hooks 137 arepreferably parallel to bottom portion 131. Each retaining hook 137 mayinclude a laterally projecting hook portion 137 a defining a shallowchannel between the hook portion and the rear surface of the back tab134 or 135 from which the hook projects. Each of the plurality of shelfportions 130 may also include one or more retaining apertures 138. Aretaining aperture 138 may be provided in each of the first and secondback tabs 134, 135. Retaining apertures 138 may be aligned with acorresponding shelf attachment member aperture 122 provided in firstmember 111 of tower support 110.

The plurality of shelf portions 130 may be removably attached or coupledto mounting support portion 110. The removability and/or additive natureof shelf portions 130 provides expandability for the addition or removalof one or more shelf portions 130. In addition, the location of shelfportions 130 may be customized based upon the heights of the users. Forexample, in end uses where users may be shorter, such as a primaryschool setting, shelf portions 130 may be provided at lower locations oftower support 110 to correspond for the relatively shorter heights ofthe users. Similarly, in end uses where users may be taller, such as asecondary school setting, shelf portions 130 may be provided at higherlocations of tower support 110 to correspond for the relatively tallerheights of the users.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the retaining tabs 136 of each shelfportion 130 are removably received by a respective first shelf receivingslot 119 a provided in mounting support portion 110. Preferably, firstshelf receiving slots 119 a are provided through first member 111. Inaddition, each retaining hook 137 of each shelf portion 130 is removablyreceived by a respective second shelf receiving slot 119 b provided inmounting support portion 110. Preferably, second shelf receiving slots119 b are also provided through first member 111. When each shelfportion 130 is engaged with first member 111, each retaining tab 136 isreceived by an associated first shelf receiving slot 119 a, while eachretaining hook 137 is received by an associated second shelf receivingslot 119 b. In addition, the channel defined by the hook portion 137 aof each retaining hook 137 receives a portion of first member 111. Morespecifically, a portion of the hook 137 is received by second shelfreceiving slot 119 b such that an end edge portion of the slot 119 bdefined by the first member 111 is received within the channel definedby the hook portion 137 a of each retaining hook 137. To furtherfacilitate engagement and retention of shelf portions 130 to mountingsupport portion 110, the first and second back tabs 134, 135 of eachshelf portion 130 may have a bias. The bias preferably is in a directionto encourage the first member 111 to be received within the channeldefined by the hook portion 137 a and engage each retaining hook 137upon receipt of each retaining hook 137 by the associated second shelfreceiving slot 119 b.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in an exemplary embodiment thefirst edge portion 132 is integrally formed with and at an approximatelyright angle to a first side of the bottom portion 131, while the backtab 134 is integrally formed with and at an approximately right angle tothe first edge portion, such that the first edge portion 132 extendsupwardly from a side of the bottom portion 131, and the back tab 134extends from the back end of the first edge portion 132 generallyparallel to the back edge of the bottom portion 131. The first edgeportion 132 thus has a vertical bias which positions the retaining hooka fixed distance from the first side of the bottom portion 131. Thesecond edge portion 133, back tab 135 and attached retaining hook 137are likewise attached to the opposite second side of the bottom portion131 and each other to likewise position the attached retaining hook afixed distance from the second side of the bottom portion. The retaininghooks are thus seen to have a structural bias toward fixed spacedpositions above the back edge of the bottom portion 131. To facilitateconnection of a shelf portion 130 to the first member 111, it can beseen that the side edge portions 132 and 133 may be manually flexedtoward each other to reduce the distance between the retaining hooks 137and to permit the retaining hooks to be inserted into the second shelfretaining slots 119 b in the first member. The outer margins of theretaining slots 119 b are more closely spaced from each other than thedistal margins of the hooks, so that when the manual flexing force onthe edge portions 132 and 133 is released, the structural bias of theshelf portions will pull the retaining hooks apart and the end edgeportions of the receiving slots 119 b will be received and engaged inthe channels defined by the retaining hook portions 137 a to retain theshelf portion 130 on the first member 111. In an exemplary embodiment asupport flange 139, best shown in FIG. 2B, may be unitarily formed withthe shelf portion 130 and extend downwardly from the back edge of thebottom portion 131 a desired distance to provide additional support andresistance to downward bending of the retained shelf portion. Inaddition, shelf portions 130 may be coupled to mounting support portion110 with a retaining member (not shown). A suitable retaining member mayinclude, but is not limited to, a screw, bolt, pin, or any othersuitable removable engagement member. A retaining member may be receivedby one or more retaining apertures 138, and the corresponding shelfattachment member aperture 122 aligned with each retaining aperture 138.While a particular advantageous engagement structure has beenillustrated and described for mounting a shelf portion on the firstmember 111 such that any single shelf member may be attached to ordetached from a mounting support assembly without interference with anyother mounted shelf portion, it should be understood that any mechanicalconnection of shelf portions to support assembly is contemplated withinthe spirit of the invention.

Tower assembly 100 may also include a cable management system. The cablemanagement system may include cable management channel 116, which may beprovided in assembly 100 to assist in the management of any cables, suchas cables provided for supplying power to one or more electronicdevices, cables provided for the exchange of data with one or moreelectronic devices, or any other associated cable to be coupled to oneor more electronic device while stored in storage bays 160. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 3, channel 116 may extend vertical along the majority ofmounting support portion 110, up to and including the entirety of thevertical structure of mounting support portion 110. Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, channel 116 may include a first cable support aperture120 provided in second member 112 or third member 113. As illustrated,both second and third members 112, 113 each have a first cable apertureor first cable aperture 120 which corresponds to each shelf portion 130.As such, second and third members 112, 113 each have a plurality ofcable apertures 120 which extend along second and third members 112,113, respectively. The plurality of cable apertures 120 may be providedvertically along second and third members 112, 113 and may be providedin approximately vertical alignment. Channel 116 may also include aplurality of second cable apertures 121 provided in second member 112 orthird member 113. As illustrated, both second and third members 112, 113each have a pair of appropriately sized second cable apertures 121 whichcorresponds to each shelf portion 130. As such, second and third members112, 113 may each have a plurality of second cable aperture 121 pairswhich correspond to each shelf portion 130. The plurality of secondcable aperture 121 pairs may be provided vertically along second andthird members 112, 113 and may be provided in approximately verticalalignment. In addition, channel 116 may include one or more master orthird cable apertures 123 provided in second member 112 and/or thirdmember 113. Third cable apertures 123 may be provided to allow one ormore supply cables, for example, but not limited to, a main power cableand/or main communication cable, entry into channel 116. The secondcable apertures 121 may have a diameter which is less than first andthird cable support apertures 120, 123. In addition the third cableapertures 123 may have a diameter which is greater than first and secondcable apertures 120, 121. In one or more examples of embodiments,channel 116 may have a polygonal, arcuate, tubular, rounded, or anyother desired or suitable cross-sectional shape suitable to manage oneor more cables.

The cable management system may also include one or more shelf apertures140, 141 provided in each shelf portion 130. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5,at least one first shelf aperture 140 may be provided in first or secondedge portions 132, 133. As illustrated, at least one first shelfaperture 140 may be provided in each of first edge portion 132 andsecond edge portion 133, respectively. First shelf apertures 140provided in first and second edge portions 132, 133 may be in lateral orhorizontal alignment and separated by bottom portion 131. However, inone or more examples of embodiments, first shelf apertures 140 providedin first and second edge portions 132, 133 may not be in alignment andotherwise may be provided in any desired location along the respectivefirst or second edge portion 132, 133. Referring to FIG. 2, at least onesecond shelf aperture 141 may be provided in first or second back tabs134, 135. As illustrated, at least one second shelf aperture 141 may beprovided in each of first back tab 134 and second back tab 135,respectively. Second shelf apertures 141 provided in first and secondback tabs 134, 135 may be in lateral or horizontal alignment. However,in one or more examples of embodiments, second shelf apertures 141provided in first and second back tabs 134, 135 may not be in alignmentand otherwise may be provided in any desired location along therespective first or second back tabs 134, 135. Generally, second shelfapertures 141 are provided in a different plane than first shelfapertures 140. As illustrated, second shelf apertures 141 may beprovided in a plane orthogonal to the plane first shelf apertures 140are provided in. In addition, second shelf apertures 141 are generallyprovided at a location in each respective first and second back tabs134, 135 which is not in alignment or is not overlapping or otherwise isoffset from first member 111 of tower support 110. This allow one ormore cables to extend from channel 116 through one or more of the secondshelf apertures 141 of each shelf portion 130.

Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of third shelf apertures142 may be provided in first or second edge portions 132, 133. Asillustrated, at least two third shelf apertures 142 may be provided infirst edge portion 132 and second edge portion 133, respectively. Thirdshelf apertures 142 provided in first and second edge portions 132, 133may be in lateral or horizontal alignment along each edge portion 132,133. In addition, each pair of third shelf apertures may be in lateralor horizontal alignment and separated by bottom portion 131. However, inone or more examples of embodiments, third shelf apertures 142 providedin first and second edge portions 132, 133 may not be in alignment andotherwise may be provided in any desired location along the respectivefirst or second edge portion 132, 133. Generally, third shelf apertures142 may have a diameter which is less than first and second shelfapertures 140, 141.

In operation and use of the cable management system, one or more cablesmay enter into channel 116 through third cable aperture(s) 123. Thecables may then extend along channel 116. One or more cables may exitchannel 116 to each respective shelf portion 130 through one or more offirst cable support aperture(s) 120. After exiting channel 116, one ormore cables may extend to each shelf portion 130 through one or more offirst and second shelf aperture(s) 140, 141. Whether to use one or moreof first and second shelf aperture(s) 140, 141 depends upon a number offactors, including, but not limited to, the number of cables extendingoutward from channel 116 to each shelf portion 130, the location of apower adaptor for charging an electronic device within the electronicdevice, and/or the location of a communication adaptor within theelectronic device for communicating with the electronic device. Theplurality of first and second shelf aperture(s) 140, 141 advantageouslyprovide alternatives for extending one or more cords from channel 116 toelectrically connect to the electronic device(s) stored in each shelfportion 130. This will accommodate different types, configurations,and/or brands of electronic devices which may have different locationsfor various ports which would receive one or more cables. It should beappreciated in one or more examples of embodiments that more than onedevice may be stored in each shelf portion. In addition, more than onetype or brand of device may be stored in any one shelf portion,including two or more different types or brands of device in a singleshelf portion at the same time. In addition, more than one type or brandof device may be stored simultaneously in separate shelf portions of asingle assembly.

In addition, second cable apertures 121 and third shelf apertures 142may be provided to assist in coupling or restraining various add onhardware components associated with the electronic devices. For example,chargers for electronic devices typically have a power supply, which maybe sizeable. Second cable apertures 121 and/or third shelf apertures 142provide a location in which these components may be coupled to therespective channel 116, second member 112, third member 113, and/orshelf portion 130. Second cable apertures 121 and/or third shelfapertures 142 may receive a connecting member, for example, but notlimited to, a zip tie, twist tie, or other attachment apparatus. Thiswill allow for one or more hardware components associated with eachelectronic device to be coupled to assembly 100. In one or more examplesof embodiments, one or more of the disclosed apertures of the cablemanagement system may be used to receive one or more data distributioncables. A data distribution cable may include, but is not limited to, aUSB cable, mini-USB cable, Firewire, CAT-5, CAT-6, or any other known orfuture developed structure or material which communicates or transfersdata. A plurality of data distribution cables may be incorporated intothe cable management system to create data links with one or moreportable device(s) stored in the tower assembly. This advantageouslyallows for the wired transfer and/or distribution of data to or from oneor more data source(s) from or to one or more portable device(s) storedin the tower assembly. In addition, in one or more examples ofembodiments, one or more portable device(s) stored in the tower assemblymay be in wireless communication with one or more data source(s) toallow for the wireless transfer and/or distribution of data to or fromone or more data source(s) from or to one or more portable device(s)stored in the tower assembly.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate one or more examples of embodiments of assembly100 incorporating a power supply or power strip or power distributionstrip 117 into channel 116. Power strip 117 may be provided in channel116. In addition, power strip 117 may be coupled to first member 111.Power distribution strip 117 may distribute electricity to a pluralityof outlets 118 provided within the strip. The number of outletsgenerally corresponds to at least the number of shelf portions 130 whichmay be coupled to or available to be coupled to mounting support portion110. In addition, the power strip may be provided with one power inlet.This advantageously allows for the power strip to use and/or occupy onlya single power receptacle. It should be appreciated that mat typechargers, which may re-charge an electronic device by placement of theelectronic device onto the mat, may be utilized by assembly 100.Specifically, one or more mat type chargers may be provided in eachstorage bay 160 on each bottom portion 131 within each shelf portion130. Examples of commercially available mat type chargers includePOWERMAT brand wireless battery chargers sold by Powermat Ltd. of NeveIlan, Israel.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one or more locking slots 143 provided in eachshelf portion 130. Locking slots 143 may be provided between first edgeportion 132 and bottom portion 131, and between second edge portion 133and bottom portion 131. Slots 143 may be any suitable or desirablelength, shape, or size, and may be respectively defined by the removalof a portion of each edge portion 132, 133 and/or associated bottomportion 131. Slots 143 may be adapted to receive a portion of a lockingassembly to lock or assist in restricting access to one or moreelectronic devices stored in each shelf portion 130.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate tower assembly 100 incorporating one or moreexamples of embodiments of a locking assembly 150. Locking assembly 150may include a first sidewall or top sidewall 151 which is provided overa portion of the top most shelf portion 130. Preferably, top sidewall151 preferably is of a size to limit access and/or removal of anelectronic device stored in the top most shelf portion 130. As such, topsidewall 151 may cover or overlap the entire storage bay 160 or maycover or overlap less than the entirety of storage bay 160. Top sidewall151 may be coupled or integrally connected to opposing second and thirdouter sidewalls 152, 153. Sidewalls 152, 153 may extend vertically fromthe top sidewall 151 through locking slots 143 of each shelf portion130. Sidewalls 152, 153 have a width, as measured along the edgeportions 132, 133, sufficient to limit access and/or removal ofelectronic devices stored in each shelf portion 130 along the edgeportions 132, 133. Sidewalls 152, 153 extend from the top most shelfportion 130 to the bottom most shelf portion 130. At the bottom mostshelf portion 130, each sidewall 152, 153 may be coupled to the bottommost shelf portion 130. In addition, each sidewall 152, 153 may becoupled to each shelf portion through third shelf apertures 142. Forexample, each sidewall 152, 153 may be welded, bolted, pinned, orotherwise connected to each shelf portion 130 through third shelfapertures 142. Door 154 may be pivotably connected to either sidewall152, 153. As illustrated, door 154 is pivotably connected to sidewall152 by a plurality of hinge members 155. Door 154 pivots about hingemembers 155 to provide access to the shelf portions 130 and associatedelectronic devices stored therein. Door 154 is selectively coupled to alocking member 156 by a locking handle 157. Locking member 156 may becoupled to or otherwise attached to one of the shelf portions 130.Preferably, locking member 156 is permanently attached, such as by weld,to a bottom portion 131 of at least one shelf portion 130. The lockingmember 156 extends from the associated shelf portion 130 towards door154. Locking member 156 has locking handle 157 at an end closest to door154. Locking handle 157 is adapted to engage door 154 to enableengagement and locking of door 154 to locking member 156. Thisfacilitates selective opening, closing, and locking of door 154 in orderto limit access to one or more electronic devices stored within eachassociated shelf portion 130. The locking assembly 150 advantageouslyprovides safeguards limiting the unauthorized removal or taking of oneor more electronic devices from assembly 100 while also providingsufficient open space between each of the shelf portions 130 and thelocking assembly 150 to allow a user to visually inventory theelectronic devices stored in assembly 100 while the locking assembly 150is in a locked position. In one or more examples of embodiments, aplurality of doors 154 may be pivotably connected to the sidewalls 152,153. For example, a first door 154 may be pivotably connected tosidewall 152, while a second door 154 may be pivotably connected tosidewall 153.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate an alternative example of an embodiment of atower assembly 100. More specifically, FIGS. 13-14 illustrate a doublewall unit tower assembly 200. Particular components described herein aresubstantially the same and like numbers have been used to illustrate thelike components. Referring to FIGS. 13-14, double wall unit towerassembly 200 includes a double mount support portion 210. Double mountsupport portion 210 includes a dual channel arrangement for supporting aplurality of shelf portions 130 provided in two, side by side, stacked,vertical rows. As illustrated, double mount support portion 210 includesa first channel 216 and a second channel 226. The first and secondchannels 216, 226 are substantially identical to channel 116, other thanchannels 216, 226 are connected by member 222.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tower assembly 100.More specifically, FIG. 15 illustrates a double unit back to back towerassembly 300 having a semi-static base 360. Particular componentsdescribed herein are substantially the same and like numbers have beenused to illustrate the like components. Tower assembly 300 is made oftwo opposing tower supports 110, wherein the respective channel portions116 are coupled or combined to form a single central channel.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tower assembly 100.More specifically, FIG. 16 illustrates a quad unit tower assembly 400which is mobile by being provided on a base 470 having wheels or casters480 attached thereto. Particular components described herein aresubstantially the same and like numbers have been used to illustrate thelike components. Tower assembly 400 is made of four separate towersupports 110 connected together, wherein the respective channel portions116 are combined to form three separate central channels.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of a countertop assembly of a storage and charging station system for portableelectronic devices. More specifically, FIG. 17 illustrates a counter topassembly 500 which may be located on a counter top, desktop, shelf orany other convenient horizontal support surface. A base is providedwhich includes a vertical channel support member 510 having a horizontalbase 560 suitable for sitting or mounting on a support surface, and aplurality of shelf portions 530 attached in spaced vertical relation tothe channel support member 510. Particular components described hereinmay be substantially the same as similarly functioning componentspreviously described herein and like numbers have been used toillustrate the like components. The channel support member 510 includesa first member 511 which may be fabricated to support the shelf portions130, 530 in the same manner as previously described first member 111.Likewise, other equivalent attachment means may be provided on the shelfportions 530 and the first member 511 to detachably secure the shelfportions 530 to the channel support member 510 in vertically spacedrelation for convenience of use. The channel support member 510 can beprovided with a properly sized power distribution strip (not shown) ofthe same type illustrated and described above, or any other suitableavailable or future developed multiple outlet power source. Likewise,mat type chargers as previously described may be provided. A rear coverplate (not shown) and/or top cover plate (not shown) of any suitableconfiguration may be provided for the channel support chamber 510 ifdesired.

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate examples of an alternative embodiment of astorage and charging station system 600, which includes a plurality ofmodular portable carrier storage and charging assemblies 630 detachablymounted on a support portion 610, which may be substantially similar instructure to support portion 110 or other support portions previouslydescribed. Each portable carrier assembly 630 is independentlyattachable to and detachable from support portion 610 in the samegeneral manner as shelf portions 130. Similar attachment structure andmultiples thereof may be provided on each portable carrier assembly 630as on previously described shelf portions 130, and such attachmentstructures can be spaced to fit respectively similarly spaced firstshelf retaining slots 619 a and 619 b. Likewise, support structure 610may be slotted to receive and support previously illustrated anddescribed shelf portions 130 in vertically spaced array.

Referring to FIG. 20, it is seen that the exemplary portable carrierassembly 630 has first side portions 632 and second side portions 633which may be unitarily formed with the assembly bottom portion 631 topermit the side portions 632 and 633 to be flexed inwardly in the samemanner as the previously described edge portions 132 and 133 of theshelf portions 130. FIG. 21 illustrates that the illustrated carrierassembly has a first back panel 634 and a second back panel 635 whichmay respectively be formed from a portion of the first side portion 632and second side portion 633, and supported thereby in the same manner asthe previously shown and described back tabs 134 and 135. In addition,it is seen from FIG. 21 that the portable carrier assembly bottomportion 631 may have retaining tabs 636 projecting from its back edge inthe same manner as retaining tabs 136, and a support flange 639extending downwardly a desired distance from its back edge in the samemanner as support flange 139, all as previously illustrated anddescribed herein. Likewise, first back panel 634 and second back panel635 have retaining hooks 637 with hook portions 637 a similar to theretaining hooks 137 and 137 a previously shown and described herein.Thus, it can be readily seen that the portable carriage assembly 630 canbe easily attached and detached from the support portion 610 in the samemanner as described with respect to the attachment of the shelf portions130 to the support portion 111.

Referring to FIG. 20, it can be seen that the portable carrier assembly630 has a plurality of partitions 660 extending vertically from thecarrier bottom portion 631 to the carrier top portion 651, and spaced toprovide a plurality of vertical compartments 662 between the partitions651 and adjacent partitions and side portions 632, 633 for thesegregated containment of a plurality of portable electronic devices.The partitions 660 may be secured to the top portion 651 and the bottomportion 631 by pins 660 a (shown in FIG. 19) extending into slots orholes 666 in the top portion 651 and bottom portion 631 of the carrierassembly, or by any other equivalent or alternate structure, includingadhesive, welding, fasteners or other known sheet metal attachmentstructure.

FIG. 20 further illustrates a locking assembly 650 for securing portableelectronic devices within the carrier assembly 630. A closure member 654may be hingedly attached to the top portion 651 of the carrier assembly630. The closure member 654 may consist of an right angle stripconnected by a plurality of hinges 655 to the top portion 651 such thatit will pivot to a position with one side of the angled strip lyingparallel to the top portion 651 and the other side of the angled stripextending vertically across the front of the carrier assembly 630. Astaple 656 may extend from one or more partitions or other interiorstructure through a slot in the vertically extending portion of closuremember 654 to receive a padlock or other common locking device (notshown) to prevent withdrawal of portable electric devices from thecarrier during periods of storage. The vertical side of the closuremember may be extended as far as necessary to prevent removal of asmaller portable electronic device. Alternatively, a mesh panel (notshown) may be extended from the vertical side of the closure member tocover the entire front of the carrier assembly without blocking theinterior from view to prevent removal of small electronic devices suchas smart phones. It will be seen that other equivalent structure may beemployed to selectively secure the contents within the compartments ofthe carrier as may be desired, with or without visual access to thecontents of the carrier, and to be pivotally or otherwise opened topermit removal of the electronic devices for use.

Finally, a handle 657, which may be foldable to permit closer verticalspacing of the portable carrier assemblies on the support member 610,may be provided to facilitate transport of the portable carrier assembly630 to different locations for use by designated users. The carrierassembly 630 may further be provided with power strips or wirelessbattery chargers (not shown) so that the portable electronic devices maybe charged at user locations remote from the support member 610.

In operation and use of the tower assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,600 a large number of portable electronic devices 50 may be stored atthe respective tower assemblies. The devices 50 can then be distributedas needed, for example to students, employees, or to individuals whocheck the devices out for a period of time. When returned, the devices50 can be returned to their corresponding shelf portion 130. The devicesmay subsequently be stored in the tower assembly 100, 200, 300, 400,500, 600, and the associated batteries may be charged or recharged.

The devices 50 may have indicia for identification, such as a number,name, code, and/or identifying color. The indicia may correspond with anassociated indicia provided on one or more of the shelf portions 130.This further assists facilitation of “command and control” of thedevices 50, as a person responsible for the devices 50 can quicklyinventory devices 50, determine if all of the devices are in or out atany given time, or determine which device 50 is not present in theassembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600.

In addition, devices 50 may each have remote device monitoring hardwareand/or software provided thereon. The device monitoring hardware and/orsoftware may monitor the location of each device 50. In addition, or inthe alternative, device monitoring hardware and/or software may monitorwhether each device 50 is returned to the correct corresponding shelfportion 130 of assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 after use of thedevice 50.

FIGS. 22-31 a illustrate several alternative exemplary embodiments ofimproved storage management systems for electronic devices.

FIGS. 22-27 are photographs of an improved counter top assemblyembodiment 501 of the improved storage management system for electronicdevices. FIGS. 22 and 23 show front views of the embodiment having animproved shelf structure. The improved embodiment has a shelf 531 havinga first edge portion 532, second edge portion 533, first back tab 534,second back tab 535, and bottom portion 531. At the front portion ofvarious embodiments of the improved shelf 531, the bottom portion 531has a first length that extends beyond the front end of the respectiveedge portions 532 and 533 at its angle of intersection with the edgeportions. At the mid-portion between the first and second sides of theshelf structure, the bottom portion 531 has a second, shorter lengththat is approximately two-thirds of the length of the edge portions asmeasured from the back tabs 534 and 535 of the shelf. This lengthextends centrally for approximately half of the width of the bottomportion 531. Between the first length and second length, the shelfbottom portion length tapers rearwardly. The result is that the frontmargin of the base defines an approximately U-shaped cutout 531 a oropen area from the front of the shelf. This U-shaped cutout is properlysized for a hand to be able to easily and simultaneously grip both theupper and lower surfaces of an electronic device to facilitate its easyinsertion in and removal from the shelf 530 or the improved storagemanagement system.

It should be understood that exemplary embodiments of the improvedstorage management system for electronic devices using the improvedshelf structure may include shelves 530 of differing sizes but providedin connection with the same tower structure. The differing shelves maybe provided to better accommodate varying sizes of devices. For example,a user may want to have a spot for a full-size laptop and for a tabletor other smaller device. In various embodiments, the user may select thesizes of shelves provided in the structure according to the user'svarious device-driven needs. As shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 27 shelves 530of any size may snap into the tower assembly channel support 570 throughslots and retaining tab and retaining hook systems provided as describedabove with reference to FIGS. 2-7, or be connected by other suitablefastener means (not shown).

FIGS. 23, 25, 26, 30 and 31 also show accommodating structure for animproved cable management system. FIG. 25 shows that in variousembodiments, the cable management system may include a vertical channelsupport 570 having a rear corner access panel 571 attached to thevertical tower support in spaced relation behind the front wall of thetower support access panel. The access panel 571 may be comprised of arounded piece of metal having apertures. The apertures may have severalfunctions including providing air circulation to the charging devices.The cable management access panel 571 may be removably coupled to thetower vertical channel support 570 in various ways, including snap-fitengagement of the respective engaging margins of the coupled panel andtower channel support 570. For example, the cable management accesspanel may snap into the tower support over bent tower channel supportedge features 572 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27.

As can be seen in the exemplary embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 27 and28, the improved storage management system may have an improved cablemanagement system facilitated by cable apertures provided on the back orside of the tower support, as well as in various shelf aperturelocations along the side and back walls of the shelves. In variousembodiments, the improved cable management system may include a powerdistribution strip 519 provided inside the access panel of the towersupport, as shown in FIG. 26. The power strip 519 may have auxiliaryexternally facing power distribution sockets 518 accessible to theoutside through a rectangular or other shaped opening in the side wallnear the top of the tower support 570, and an on/off and/or indicatorswitch 519 a accessible or visible through a switch/indicator aperturenear the bottom of the side wall, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 27.

As shown in FIGS. 22-29, the illustrated and described exemplaryembodiment of the improved storage management system is well-adapted tosit independently and securely on any horizontal support surface. Likethe embodiments of the storage and management systems variously shown inFIGS. 1-16, the improved storage management system tower support may bequite tall, permitting the tower to be secure when set on a floor withmounting apertures 522 as shown in FIG. 29 for fastening by screws orother fasteners to a permanent structure such as a wall or othervertical support member. If there is a need for a tall storagemanagement system to be located either semi-permanently or movably in afree-standing location, a support stand having a horizontally extendingbase with a support structure extending vertically from the base may beutilized. For example, a support stand having an optionally split basewith plural base segments connected in spaced relation to provide avalley of sufficient width to receive the lower end of a tower support510 may be utilized. Such plural base segments can be weighted ordimensioned in any suitable manner to provide vertical stability for thevertical support structure and a connected tall storage managementsystem. Alternatively, such a base may have a continuous base segment,with the tower support seated directly thereon. In addition, the basemay include appropriately sized support wheels and/or casters, asgenerally shown FIG. 16, to permit the support stand, with or withoutthe attached storage management system, to be moved from place to placefor convenient access or storage, as desired. Of course, when theconnected storage management system is to be used for storage andcharging of electronic devices it must be located with access to atleast one suitable power outlet.

As shown in FIGS. 33, 35, and 36, an exemplary improved storagemanagement system for electronic devices is also provided having aspecialized coupling mechanism between the vertical channel support 570and the base 515 to provide a secure connection and stability for theassembly. In various embodiments, this includes the use of fastenersproduced by PEM® including PEM® nuts 512 and concealed head studs 513for sheet metal as shown in FIG. 24. In addition, FIG. 24 reveals aplurality of resilient foot members 516 attached to the bottom of thebase 515 to provide non-skid stability for the base on a supportsurface. It should be understood, however, that suitable alternativefastener methods and common fastener elements could be used instead andare contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, theembodiments shown in FIGS. 22-28 are shown as a metal assembly, however,it should be understood the assembly and components thereof may becrafted of various differing materials such as rigid extruded and/orvacuum-formed plastic, injection molded plastic, wood, or compositeswhich are still within the scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 29-31 a illustrate improved features of the storage and chargingstation system of the invention. FIG. 47 shows a top wall 551 of thecharging system that is connected to the top ends of a pair of sidewalls552 extending upwardly through locking slots 543 in the bottom portions531 and adjacent edge portions 532 and 533 of the shelves 530. The topwall 551 has a downwardly extending rear flange 553 bolted to the frontmember of the vertical tower support, and a pair of opposed downwardlyextending side flanges each bolted to one of the opposed side walls andadjacent edge portions of the top shelf. The top wall 551 structurallysecures the assembly of the connected elements, including hinged lockingdoor 554, and further secures the storage bay provided within theconfines of the top shelf 530 by preventing unauthorized removal of anelectronic device from the shelf so long as the security door remainsclosed and locked. Additionally the top wall may have one or more accessholes 556, as shown, to help facilitate connection of the top wallflanges to the supporting structures, and also aid in the dissipation ofheat from electronic devices being charged within the shelf storage baysbelow.

FIG. 30 illustrates improved shelves wherein an additional shelf edgecable management aperture 540 c is shown in the near edge portion ofeach of the illustrated shelves. The cable management aperture 540 c islocated near the rear end of the edge portion, and is characterized by acable management tab 541 which can be unitarily formed from the shelfedge portion to extend upwardly within the cable management aperture 540c of the shelf edge portion 532. FIG. 31a illustrates an unnumberedshelf edge cable management aperture in the same near edge portionposition as cable management aperture 540 c of FIG. 30, wherein thecable management aperture edges and the cable management tab of theunnumbered cable management aperture terminate at the upper margin ofthe shelf raised edge portion. FIG. 48 further shows an electronic cable542 retained within the cable management shelf aperture 540 c by thecable management tab 541 to retain the cable adjacent the inside surfaceof the shelf near edge portion and adjacent side wall before extendingoutwardly from the storage bay through the shelf aperture 540 near thefront end of the shelf edge portion 532 and around the front end of theshelf edge portion 532 to position the coupling end of the electroniccable within the margins of the shelf storage bay for easy electronicconnection to an electronic device within the provided storage bay. Thecable management tab 541 restricts lineal movement of the cable 542through the cable management aperture 540 c sufficiently to linearlyretain the cable at that location and accordingly control the length ofthe cable 542 during plugging and unplugging the cable coupling end toand from the associated electronic device stored in that shelf 530. Itcan be seen from that the referenced unnumbered cable managementaperture of FIG. 31a , with edges and cable management tab terminatingat the upper margin of the shelf raised edge portion, will facilitateproviding an electronic cable through the said unnumbered cablemanagement aperture in the same position as cable 542 is shown in cablemanagement aperture 540 c of FIGS. 30 and 31.

FIG. 31 shows electronic cables 542 respectively emerging from cableapertures 520 in the side wall of the vertical tower support 110 andextending through back tab apertures 543 in the back tabs 533 of theshelf portions 530, which tabs are attached to the rear ends of adjacentshelf edge portions. The back tab apertures 543 direct the electroniccables to the shelf edge cable management apertures 540 c and associatedcable management tabs 541, which in turn further retain the electroniccables in close proximity to the right angle corners of the shelvesformed by the adjacent edge portions and back tab portions of theshelves. FIGS. 30 and 31 also show small cable tie holes 524 in thewalls of channel 110 suitable for receiving cable ties to secureelectronic cable in the channel 110 as desired.

In another exemplary embodiment of the assembly, FIG. 31a illustrates amodified sidewall 552 a having horizontal engagement slots 552 b in itsouter edge 552 c. As shown in FIG. 31a , the modified sidewall 552 aextends down through locking slots 543 in the edge portions 532 andbottom portions 531 of shelves 530. The modified sidewall 552 a has beenmoved forward to cause the engagement slots 552 b to engage and providevertical support for the bottom wall portion 531 of each of the shelves530 of the array of shelves supported by a tower portion 510. Typically,but optionally, the top shelf 530 and the bottom shelf (not shown) ofthe shelf array will be bolted to the side wall 552 a through availableholes in the side wall and shelf edge portions 532. The intermediateshelves 530 will be adequately supported by the engaged sidewall lockingslots 543. The modified sidewalls with engagement slots 552 b can besized to provide vertical support for any of the shelves with lockingslots 543 coupled to any of the various tower supports disclosed herein.

The invention illustrated in FIGS. 32-43 and disclosed herein isgenerally directed to one or more embodiments of an improved mobilestorage and charging station system for portable electronic devices. Forease of discussion and understanding, the following detailed descriptionwill at times refer to a “portable electronic device,” an “electronicdevice,” or a “plurality of electronic devices.” While certain Figuresin the incorporated referenced provisional and non-provisionalreferences illustrate an electronic device as a laptop computer, itshould be appreciated that an electronic device may be any suitableportable electronic device requiring storage and/or battery charging orrecharging. For example, an electronic device may include, but is notlimited to, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a notebook computer,a Google Chromebook™ computer, a tablet device (such as an Apple iPad®,Samsung Galaxy®, or Microsoft Surface®, or any similar known or futuredeveloped tablet), a mobile smartphone, or any other known or futuredeveloped mobile or portable electronic device.

Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 32-37 illustrate one or moreexemplary embodiments of an improved mobile storage and charging stationassembly. FIG. 32 illustrates an improved mobile tower assembly 700,comprising a tower support 710 similar to tower support 110 of FIG. 1.Tower support 710 is coupled to an improved mobile base 770 in fixedrelation to support the tower support 710 in a fixed vertical positionwhen the lower plate 772 of the mobile base 770 is resting flat on ahorizontal supporting surface such as a common building floor. A towersupport frame 790 is likewise fixedly coupled to the rear sides ofspaced tower support portions 714 and 715 and also fixedly coupled tospaced vertical connecting plate portions 776 of mobile base upper plate774.

Referring to FIGS. 33-36, the lower and upper plates 772 and 774,respectively, of the exemplary mobile base 770, are advantageouslyformed of steel or other suitable metal, the front portions of whichextend forwardly in substantially U-shaped fashion to provide asubstantial footprint over a supporting surface, and a stable base andballast for supporting the tower support and any structure supported bythe tower. The U-shaped openings 778 and 779, respectively of the lowerand upper plates of the base can be increased or decreased dependingupon the relative weights of the base and tower and supported structure.Thus, increasing the design width and/or length of either or both of theU-shaped openings will increase the weight, ballast and forwardbalancing effect of the base, while reducing the design width and/orlength of either or both of the openings will decrease the weight,ballast and balancing effect of the base, both with respect to stabilityof the tower assembly while stationary, and the balance and weightdistribution of the mobile charging station tower assembly when the unitis pivoted rearwardly onto the rearwardly projecting wheels 780, asshown in FIG. 43, for balanced transport of the assembly in dolly-likefashion between points of storage, charging or use. The two rearwardwheels 780 are supported by axle bolts 782 engaged in wheel hangarsupports 781 formed by upwardly and rearwardly extending portions of thebase lower plate 772. The wheels extend substantially to the same levelas the base lower plate, which may include a pad (not shown) whichcovers the bottom surface of the lower plate 772 to substantiallyprevent the lower plate from marring a supporting surface.

The exemplary base upper plate 774 has forward portions which defineeach side of the upper plate U-shaped opening and are inclineddownwardly from the level of the rear portion of the upper plate andterminate with short vertical legs 777 which are welded to the lowerplate 772. The upper plate 774 additionally has a central downwardlyextending support flange 775 which terminates on and is welded to thelower plate 772. The lower plate 772 additionally has an centralupwardly extending tower support flange 773 which is closely spacedparallel to and rearwardly of the welded support flange 775 whereby thecentral member 711 of the exemplary aluminum tower support 710 may besecured closely between the steel support flanges 773 and 775 by bolts,machine screws and PEM® nuts, or any other suitable known orfuture-developed fasteners. Additionally, the base upper plate 774 hasopposed cut-out openings 783 rearwardly of the downwardly extendingsupport flange 775 and to either side of the upper plate opening fromwhich the support flange 775 was cut and downwardly bent, which arepositioned to closely receive the tower support portions 714 and 715,and the vertical frame members 792 of the tower support frame 790.Additionally, vertical connecting plate portions 776 are welded betweenthe lower and upper base plates 772 and 774 immediately forward of thefront edges of the cut-out openings 783. The exemplary vertical steel oraluminum frame members 792 and the tower support portions 714 and 715are likewise secured to the connecting plate portions by bolts, screwsand PEM® nuts, or any other suitable known or future developedfasteners. In addition, the tower support frame 790 includes a top frameportion 794 which extends between and connects the two vertical framemembers 792 to provide a handle for supporting, pushing and controllingmovement of the improved mobile tower assembly during transport of thetower assembly from venue to connected venue for storage, charging andconvenient user access.

Accordingly, the tower support 710 is securely coupled to the connectedsupport structure of the mobile base unit 770 and the vertical framemembers 792 to provide an improved mobile tower assembly 700. Suchmobile tower assembly 700, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, will securelysupport the plurality of shelf portions 730 and top wall 751 which areattachable to the central member 711 of the tower support 710, the firstside wall 752 and second side wall 753 which are attachable to theplurality of shelf portions 730, the hinge members 755, doors 754,locking members (not shown) and locking handle or keyed lock 757 whichare attachable to the side walls, and most importantly, the plurality ofportable electronic devices (not shown) which will be individuallyplaced in selected shelf portions 730 for charging, storage, withdrawalfor use and return of the portable electronic members, during bothstationary and mobile dolly-like use of the improved mobile towerassembly 700.

Referring now to FIG. 32, it is seen that the tower support 710 includesa first member 711, and second member 712 and third member 713 which areconnected to the first member 711 to define a three-sided cablemanagement channel 116. In addition, the tower support portions 114 and115 are outwardly connected to the second member 712 and the thirdmember 713, respectively. In different exemplary embodiments the variousmembers and support portions may be perpendicularly connected as shown,or may be connected at acute or obtuse angles as the design may allow orrequire for function, appearance or ease of forming. The various membersand portions of tower support may be formed of a unitary pressed, bentor molded material, although it should be appreciated that in one ormore exemplary embodiments, the various members may be separately formedand coupled together. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the towersupport 710 is advantageously and unitarily fabricated from bentaluminum sheet. Cable management channel 716 is utilized for theplacement of one or more power strips and cable connectors (not shown)for providing power for charging each of the personal electronic devicesindividually positioned on each shelf portion as more extensivelydescribed in referenced U.S. Provisional Application 62/135,549. FIG. 37shows a door 740 attached to a tower support vertical side member 792 byhinges 742 with one or more locks and/or handles 744 for securing andopening the door 740 to secure and access the power strip and cableconnectors within the cable management channel 716. FIG. 37 also showsfasteners for coupling the vertical frame members 792 to the towersupport 710 and the vertical connecting plate portions 776.

Because of the ease of identifying each portable electronic device witheach user and each assigned storage shelf, and the speed and ease ofuser withdrawal for use and replacement for storage and charging of theportable electronic devices at multiple user sites, and the ability ofteachers, supervisors, administrative staff and equipment managers todetermine at a glance whether all personal electronic devices are out,or returned, the improved mobile storage and charging station of theinvention saves enormous amounts of administrative time for theorganization providing or managing the portable electronic devices.

Referring now more specifically to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention comprising an improved mobile multiple shelf towerassembly 800 for portable electronic devices illustrated in FIGS. 38-43,it is seen that the embodiments of FIGS. 38-43 differ in severalrespects from the previously described embodiments of FIGS. 32-37. FIGS.38-43 illustrate an integral aluminum tower support 810 comprising apair of side channels 814 and 815 extending outwardly, rearwardly andinwardly from the second and third members 812 and 813. Accordingly, inaddition to the central cable management channel 816, tower support 810provides two power strip channels 814 and 815, each of which houses a 12outlet power strip 820 in the manner shown in FIG. 39, which is asection view taken along Section Line A-A on FIG. 40. Thus the towersupport 810 is capable of providing power to portable electronic devicesin 24 shelf portions 830, with side channel space and cable managementchannel space to accommodate the additional power strip and cablerequirements for powering 24 portable electronic devices (not shown).

Additionally, tower support 810 optimally provides for attachment of upto 24 shelf portions 830 without significantly increasing the accessheight of the top shelf 830. The typical decrease in size of currentpersonal electronic devices permits the use of shallower shelf portions830 which may be more closely spaced to provide a single tower supportfor up to 24 shelves without exceeding a reasonable shelf height forusers. However, increasing shelf density and numbers on a single towersupport creates significant challenges with respect to power strip andcable connector management. These issues are solved by the improvedtower support 810 with its added side channels for power strip placementand deeper central cable management channel 16 area. In addition, asshown in FIGS. 38 and 39, at least one and optimally two small cable tieholes 822 are provided in second channel member 812 and third channelmember 813 adjacent each side of each vertically spaced shelf locationon the tower support 810 to permit the optional use of common plasticcable ties (not shown) extending inside and outside the tower support810 through selected and conveniently available cable tie holes 822 toretain cables running vertically and otherwise within the cablemanagement channel 816 in close managed proximity to channel members 812and 813. This provides for easier cable identification and serviceaccess to cables and cable access slots or holes 860 in the channelmembers 811, 812 and 813 and rear and side panels of shelf portions 830,in the manner shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 for the purpose of convenientuser cable connection to and powering of the portable electronic devicesfor recharging each time a portable electronic device is reloaded intothe shelf portions after every use. Such convenience is essential tominimizing reloading and connecting time when students or employees arerequired to re-shelve and charge all electronic devices at the end of aclass hour or school or work day. Lack of convenience at that hectictime for the user can result in more class or work time loss to increasescheduled time for waiting to access replacement of 16 or 24 electronicdevices in a single mobile tower assembly. In addition, if replacementand reconnection of devices at end of class hour or work period isinconvenient or difficult, many devices may be left unconnected and notrecharged by frustrated users, requiring more monitoring by teachers oradministrative managers.

The tower assembly shown in FIGS. 38-43 includes additional and improvedsecurity which is effective for the smallest of portable electronicdevices. FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate an improved sidewall 852 whichextends for the entire length of the array of installed shelves 830 tosubstantially prevent any effective access to the shelf contents fromeither side of the array. The sidewalls 852 extend down both sides ofthe array of shelves 830, and within the margins of the shelf edgeportions 832 through adjacent slots (not shown) in the shelf bottomportions 131. The exemplary sidewalls 852 are provided with at least onevertical open window 853 (two windows 853 are illustrated in FIGS. 38and 39), window openings are defined by the surrounding margins of thesidewalls 852. The side walls 852 can be fastened to selected upper,mid-level and lower shelf edge portions 832 by machine screws and PEM®nut fasteners 858 or any other suitable known or to be discoveredfasteners and are additionally retained in close proximity to the shelfedge portions 832 by slots in the shelf bottom portions 131 throughwhich they extend. Effective side access to the interior of the shelves830 and their contents is effectively prevented by the limited spacesbetween shelf edge portions 832 not covered by the sidewalls 852.Nevertheless, important visual access to the content of the shelves isimportantly provided by the spaces between shelf edge portions 832 andthe windows 853 to allow teachers or administrative personnel to quicklyview the interiors of the shelves at any time to determine whether theelectronic device assigned to any shelf is either present or absent,depending upon the time of day and the use, charging andstorage/inventory requirements of the owner. As further best shown inFIG. 38, access to the contents of the upper shelf 830 of the shelfarray is prevented by top wall 851 secured to the tower support in thesame manner as more fully disclosed and referenced and incorporatedabove with reference to FIGS. 29-31. The top wall 851 is alsobeneficially attached to the top shelf 830 by suitable fasteners (notshown).

Access to the contents of the shelves is exemplarily controlled by door854 and locking handle 857. The door is pivotally attached by hinges notshown and fasteners 855, which may be attached to sidewall 852, asshown, or other provided structure.

Access to the power strips 820 and cable connectors (not shown) isprovided by rear door 840, as shown in FIG. 40. Door 840 is pivotallyattached by hinges 842 to the back side of power strip channel 814 ofthe tower support 810, with one or more locks and/or handles 844 forsecuring and opening the door to secure and access the power strips 820,cable connectors (not shown) and cable access slots or holes 860 in thetower support to reach the shelves within which the portable electronicdevices must be connected.

The tower support 810 has an attached top wall 851 defining ventilationopenings 856, as shown in FIG. 38. Likewise, rear door 840 hasventilation openings 844 shown in FIG. 40. The ventilation openings 844and 856 allow cooling air to enter the lower ventilator openings 844 andflow upwardly through the tower support 810 whereby air within the towersupport which is heated by the operation and electrical conduction bythe power strips 820 and cable connectors (not shown) will pass out ofthe tower channel through the top wall ventilation openings 856.

The exemplary mobile base 870 which is illustrated is FIGS. 38-43 foruse with the improved mobile storage and charging station assembly 800is essentially the same as the mobile base 770 illustrated in FIGS.32-37, except for changes made possible by the one-piece design of theimproved tower support 810. The increased stiffness of the tower support810 provided by side channels 814 and 815 enabled the elimination ofboth the structure and the weight of the tower support frame 710 of theembodiment of FIGS. 32-37. Thus it is not necessary to provide thespaced vertical connecting plate portions 776, which function to connectthe vertical frame members 792 to the base 770, nor is it desirable toprovide the two upper plate cut-out openings 783 in the mobile base 870.It will be seen from FIG. 38 that the side channel 814 of the towersupport 810 does not extend below the top surface of the upper plate 874of the mobile base 870. The tower support middle channel member 811 isconnected to the lower plate central support flange 873 and the upperplate central support flange 875 in the same manner as previouslydescribed with respect to tower support middle member 711 and supportflanges 773 and 775 and as shown in FIGS. 32-38. In all other respects,the mobile base 870 is substantially the same as mobile base 770.

The improved mobile storage and charging station assemblies 700 and 800both include a combination of components which combine to efficientlyand securely store, charge and conveniently move to convenient uservenues multiple portable electronic devices for classroom and conferenceroom use and user training, and further permit fast and easy userdispensing, and return of charging connection of assigned electronicdevices by the users, with little supervision by teachers oradministrative personnel. The novel mobile base designs illustrated anddescribed herein have an open design which permits interior access forfabrication and rigid connection of tower supports, but also permitsdesign adjustments to provide more or less weight depending upon thenumber of shelves attachable to the tower support and the type ofportable electronic devices targeted for storage and charging. The baseand attached tower support provide stability when the assembly isstationary, and balance and ease of transport of contents inwell-balanced dolly-like manner when it is desired to move the mobilestorage and charging station assembly between storage, charging andconvenient use venues within a facility. While exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention have been illustrated and described, it should beclear that various design changes, substitution and selection ofavailable and advantageous materials, and aesthetic or use orientedchanges can be made to the structure and arrangement or inclusion offeatures described herein or in U.S. Provisional Application 62/135,549,the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference, withoutdeparting from the objects of the invention.

Assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and other improved embodimentsshown also include certain advantages that may not be readilyascertainable from the disclosure provided herein. The assembly providesa simple, clean, easy to use space saving design for the effectivemanagement of portable electronic devices. The sloped sides of the edgeportions of each shelf portion provides an open design which provideseasy viewing of electronic devices stored therein. The easy viewingallows for ease of inventory and management of electronic devices. Thecable management system provided with the associated channel avoids anundesired mess of inter-tangled cables, while also protecting cablesfrom damage or loss since the cables generally do not need to beremoved. The vertical stacking of the plurality of shelf portionsprovides for a low profile and small footprint, providing space savings.For example, in a school setting, by incorporating the vertical stackingarrangement, the assembly has a footprint similar to a school lockerwhile able to store and manage a full classroom of electronic devices.The locking assembly provides a door having no pinch points, which canavoid damage to cables or users. In addition, by providing a centralbattery charging and/or recharging location for all portable electronicdevices stored in assembly, the risk of loss of battery charging devicesis greatly reduced. Since the battery charger, AC adapter(s), or othercharging device remains with the assembly when the portable electronicdevices are removed, there is a reduced chance of theft or loss of thebattery charging device.

In addition, updating or performing a central data transfer to portableelectronic devices stored in assembly is made easier. For example, aparty performing the update may plug in or hook up a data cable, such asa CAT5 or CAT6 cable, to each device in assembly. As an alternative,each device may be connected to a central data hub while being stored inthe assembly, allowing for a distribution of updates through the centraldata hub. Such a connection may be wired or wireless. In either case,the party performing the update may quickly and easily update portableelectronic devices stored in the assembly, as portable electronicdevices are centrally located and accessible while being stored. Theassembly also allows for users to manage pick up and drop off ofportable electronic devices. This is especially advantageous forapplications in primary schools, where users may be children, and morespecifically young children. In this application, portable electronicdevices can be easily picked up and dropped off by children withoutsubstantial supervision by an adult or teacher. For such classroom use,the assembly illustrated and described herein facilitate completemanagement of the removal/unplugging and return/plugging in ofelectronic devices by the student with only the unlocking and locking ofthe door requiring action by the teacher. In a typical school yearcycle, the assembly can save in excess of 60 hours of classroom time forthe teacher, which may otherwise be used for classroom instruction, ascompared to a classroom where the electronic devices are accessed fromand returned for charging to a typical cart by the teacher.

The assemblies disclosed in FIGS. 22-43 also include certain advantagesthat may not be readily ascertainable from the disclosure providedherein. The improved shelf mechanisms shown therein allow for adult andchild users to reach into the assembly, grip both top and bottomsurfaces of and retrieve an electronic device easily from any angle.Because a user may be standing, crouching, leaning, or in any otherposition while removing the device, it is important the user should havea firm grip on the device to prevent damage and injury. Likewise, theuser can maintain a firm grip on the device while correctly positioningthe device on a shelf for storage and charging.

The improved cable management system allows for protection of the powerdistribution strips. Removable access panels cover the powerdistribution elements, while the cable management system providesconnectability by the user for charging, while limiting possibleinteraction with electricity by the user and preventing shock or injury.It also limits movement of the power strip and charging components,which can prevent the device charging components from damage caused byrepeated removal.

The metal structure, specialized fasteners, and floor/supplementalmounting features all provide for a secure storage system. This isespecially important as the number of devices grows and the tower istaller. The system may be deployed in classrooms, where users may bumpinto the tower without likely damage to its components or the storedelectronic devices. These improved features allow the system to supporta large number of devices without compromising safety and stability.

Referring now more specifically to the exemplary embodiments of theimproved mobile multiple shelf tower assembly 900 for portableelectronic devices illustrated in FIGS. 44-59 b, it is seen that theembodiments of FIGS. 44-59 b differ in several respects from thepreviously described embodiments of FIGS. 8-12 and 29-32. In FIG. 44 itcan be seen that the bottom portions 931 of shelves 930 each have aprotruding rear support shelf 936 which extends rearwardly through shelfalignment support slot 919 in tower first support member 911 to providea support surface for a power “brick” 939 (as shown on the second fromthe top rear support shelf 936 in FIG. 44) to be provided for poweringan electronic device placed upon the shelf bottom portion 931 from whichthe rear support shelf 936 protrudes. As more fully shown in FIG. 48a ,each rear support shelf 936 may advantageously have a plurality of holes936 a and/or slots 936 b to conveniently accommodate strap materialssuch as cable zip ties (not shown) or other suitable linear tiematerials for fixedly retaining the power brick 939 on the shelf duringits use. The margins of alignment support slot 919 provide additionalvertical support for the shelf 930, as well as the protruding rearsupport shelf 936 and a power brick 939.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 44-59 b, the improved storage andcharging system 900 includes a vertical tower assembly 910 which canadvantageously be fabricated from one piece of material to include avertically extending first support member 911, which may be attached toopposed second support member 912 and third support member 913 to form achannel 916, and may have a top wall 951 a extending rearwardly at aright angle from the first support member and preferably welded at itsside edges to the top edges of the second support member 912 and thethird support member 913, respectively, and engagement tabs 914 and 915respectively extending outwardly from the rear edges of the secondsupport member 912 and second support member 913 to facilitateattachment to a vertical wall (not shown), a vertical frame, such asframe 990 shown in FIGS. 50-52 and 55-56, or any other suitable verticalstructures. A plurality of shelves 930 may be coupled to the firstsupport member 911, as previously described, in a stacked verticalarray. The shelves 930 may each have a bottom portion 931, a first edgeportion 932, and a second edge portion 933. The edge portions may eachhave a first back tab 914 and a second back tab 915 respectively formedfrom portions of the first edge portion 932 and second edge portion 933,and extend therefrom at approximately right angles to abut the firstsupport member 911. A retaining hook 937 extends rearwardly from the endof each of the backtabs to engage a shelf receiving slot 919 a of firstsupport member 911 and includes a hook portion 937 a which engages theouter side margin of the receiving slot 919 a to retain the shelves onthe support member 911. The exemplary edge portions 932 and 933 eachwill flex from the vertical to enable the retaining hooks 937 to passthrough the receiving slots 919 a, but have a vertical bias with respectto the bottom portion 931 to cause the retaining hooks 937 to moveoutwardly and the hook portions 937 a to engage and remain engaged withthe outer margins of the first support member 911. As previouslyindicated, the protruding rear support shelves 936 of the flow-throughshelf bottom portions 931 extend through and are supported by the lowermargins of the shelf alignment support slots 919 of first support member911.

FIGS. 44-48 a further illustrate a locking assembly 950 of the towerassembly 900. The locking assembly 950 includes a pair of opposed firstand second side walls 952 and 953, respectively coupled to a top wall951 which is positioned above the top-most shelf 930 of the towerassembly. At least one and normally both of the sidewalls are coupled toat least one shelf 930 of the array of shelves, and locking assemblyside walls 952 and 953 extend downward on opposite sides of and adjacentto each shelf to obstruct user side access to the storage bay defined bythe bottom portion 931, edge portions 932 and 933, and first and secondback tabs 934 and 935 of each shelf 930. As shown, each shelf 930advantageously may include a first locking slot 933 a provided at theintersection of the first edge portion 932 and bottom portion 931 and asecond locking slot 933 b provided at the intersection of the secondedge portion 933 and the bottom portion 931, which locking slots are ofgreater length than the width of the first and second sidewalls, and ofgreater width than the thickness of the sidewalls to permit each of theadjacent sidewalls to extend vertically through the aligned slots of theadjacent shelves. The adjacent sidewalls 952 and 953 each advantageouslymay have a plurality of horizontal engagement slots 952 a and 953 a,respectively, spaced along a sidewall outer edge at the same intervalsas the plurality of shelves 930 are coupled to the tower support 910,whereby the sidewalls can be shifted horizontally to cause the shelvesto each be retained within the horizontal engagement slots to therebyprovide vertical support for the shelves in the same manner as the towerassembly of FIG. 31a , more specifically shown and described above.

The locking assembly 950 of the tower assembly 900 of FIGS. 44-59 badditionally includes a door 954 attached by hinges 955 to sidewall 953,which door extends partially across the open ends of the array ofshelves 930, as shown in FIG. 45, to prevent physical access toelectronic devices (not shown) placed on the shelves when the door isclosed and locked by lock assembly 957 partially shown on the outer faceof the door 954, and permit access to and removal of the electronicdevices from the assembly 900 when the door is unlocked and swung open.The locking mechanism is partially mounted on shelf 930 a as shown inFIG. 47. As previously shown in other tower assemblies described herein,the partial coverage by the door 954 of the interior of the assembly,and the illustrated incline of the shelf edge portions 932 permits thestaff of the facility in which the tower assembly 900 is placed todetermine by view from a distance which shelves support electronicdevices for storage and charging, and which shelves do not, as bestillustrated by FIG. 46. Thus it can be determined if any electronicdevices are missing at any time without requiring opening of the door.

FIG. 45 also shows shelf apertures 941 in the back tabs 934 of shelves930, which align with tower support cable apertures 120, best shown inFIG. 49a . As shown in the drawings, both back tabs 934 and 935 mayadvantageously include shelf apertures 941 to register with providedtower support cable apertures 920 to provide more convenient electroniccable supply options for the electronic devices to be placed on theshelves 930.

FIG. 47 reveals a power distribution strip 917 attached to the secondsupport member 913 of the tower support 910 to provide a plurality ofelectrical outlets 918, each of which is located adjacent to the spaceabove a shelf bottom portion rear protrusion 936 to conveniently supplyelectrical power to a power brick 939 provided on the rear protrusion936 as shown. The conventional power cord (not shown) can beconveniently bundled and secured on the rear protrusion 936 of the shelfbottom using conventional zip ties secured to a slot 936 b in the rearprotrusion 936 shown in FIG. 46a . FIG. 47 also clearly shows cablemanagement apertures 940 near the front distal ends of the taperedsecond edge portions 233 of shelves 230, as well as double cablemanagement apertures 940 a near the rear ends of the second edgeportions 233 to conveniently provide a controlled length of electroniccable to electronic devices placed on each of the shelf bottom surfaces931 for charging, as previously described with respect to the countertopassemblies of FIGS. 30-31 a. The drawings show such cable managementapertures 940 and double cable management apertures 940 a provided ineach of the first and second edge portions 232 and 233 for addedconvenience.

The drawings also show main power supply master cable apertures 923located at the lower ends of the second support member 912 and thirdsupport member 913 to conveniently receive the main power supply cord917 a of power distribution strip 917. The abbreviated main power supplycord 917 a, which can be quite long with a conventional groundedelectrical plug end (not shown) to engage a common facility electricaloutlet (not shown), is shown extending from the lower end of the powerdistribution strip 917 in FIG. 47 in close proximity to master cableapertures 923, which may conveniently be provided on both the second andthird support members to accommodate the location of the nearest poweroutlet to the position of the tower support 910. As shown in FIG. 45, apair of spaced J-hooks 917 b may be provided on the middle and lowerportions of either support member 913 (as shown) or 912 to provide cordretaining structure about which to wrap such length of the power supplycord as is not entirely extended to a distant electrical outlet. Asshown in the exploded isometric drawing of FIG. 49b , showing the“upright” J-hook in position for attachment, the J-hook 917 b isattached to the third support member 913 by a bolt 917 c and associatedwasher 917 d and cap nut 917 e, or other suitable fastener hardware. Itcan be seen that the J-hook 917 b defines a rear cavity between thesidewalls of the shank of the J-hook. A push-out tab 913 a is shownformed in the third support member 913 to extend between the sidewallsof the fastened J-hook 917 b to prevent the J-hook from rotating aroundthe bolt 917 c from its normal upright vertical position on the middleportion of support member 913. It can be seen from FIG. 45 that thelower J-hook 917 b is identical to the previously described middleJ-hook 917 b, except that it is fastened to the support member directlybelow the middle J-hook 917 b in an inverted position in the same mannerwith similar fastener hardware as middle J-hook 917 b, and in registrywith a similar third support member push-out tab 913 a (not shown) toprevent its rotation about the fastener bolt 917 c. Thus, between usesthe power supply cord 917 a may be wrapped around the pair of J-hooks917 b in a convenient manner for efficient storage.

As previously indicated, FIG. 50 shows the improved storage and chargingsystem tower assembly 900, mounted on a rectangular steel square tubevertical support rear frame 990, which in turn is attached to astationary base stand 970. The square tube vertical support frame may befabricated from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch 16 gauge square steel tube lengthshown in FIG. 54. As illustrated, the front, left and right sides of thetube have been notched in three places for bending, and tapered at theends, at substantially 45 degree angles to permit the right side of thetube to be bent at the notches into a rectangular frame with threecorners formed by the mating notches, and with the tapered ends joinedto form a fourth corner. The corners and end mating surfaces of the benttube are welded to form the closed rectangular frame of FIG. 53. Thefront surfaces of the two vertical sides 992 of rear frame 990 are eachmachined to receive three hex rivet nuts 992 a, as shown, torespectively receive common fastener bolts 992 b to attach the first andsecond channel engagement tabs 914 and 915.

Whether supported on the stationary base 970 of FIGS. 50-52, or themobile base 975 of FIGS. 55-57, the rear frame 990 is beneficiallyprovided with a lockable rear door 980, as shown in FIGS. 51 and 56. Anexemplary door 980 is formed from 0.060 flat steel material and isplanar except for two door stops 981 which extend from the distal sideedge 980 a of the door 980 and are exemplarily bent rearward and thenback parallel to the plane of the door, as best illustrated by enlargeddetail FIG. 58b , to provide about a one-quarter inch offset between theinside plane of the door 980 and the inside plane of the door stops 981to allow the outer margins of the closed door to fit within the interiorof the rear frame 990. The door is pivotally hung on the rear frame 990by two side hangars 982 which extend from the engaged side edge 980 b ofthe door 980 in the plane of the door. The side hangars 982 extendoutwardly and downward from the side 980 b of the door 980 to eachdefine a downwardly opening slot 983 between the finger-like lowerextension of the side hanger 982 and the opposed connected side edge 980b of the steel door. The rear frame 990 on which the door 980 is hunghas a pair of door receiving slots 994 of approximately 0.160 inch widthand sufficient length to receive the side hangers 982 of the steel door.The upper ends of the slots 994 of the frame 990 and the depth of themating supporting surfaces of side hanger slots 983 are such that therear door 980 is supported within the confines of the rear frame 990 inclose fitting relation to prevent access to the structure and componentswithin the channel 916 attached to the frame 990 when the rear door 980is closed. As previously noted, the door stops 981 on the distal edge ofthe door 980 will be engaged against the rear surface of the adjacentvertical side 992 of the rear frame 990 when the rear door is in itsclosed position, wherein it can be retained in such closed position byrear door lock 985, the latch of which is engageable within frame latchreceiving slot 995. The unnumbered apertures shown in the side hangers982 are non-functional hang holes for transporting the door duringfabrication, and are not necessary features of the invention. Fourventilation openings 986 are exemplarily provided in the lower portionof the door 980 which cooperate with openings in the top wall 951 a ofthe tower assembly 900 to provide updraft ventilation and cooling forelectrical components which may be supported within the channel 916 onthe shelf bottom portion rear protrusion 936.

As further shown in FIG. 50, the stationary base 970 comprises a rightsupport member 971 and a left support member 972. Base support members971 and 972 are preferably fabricated of steel for reasons of weightstability and cost, and each are attached by bolts 970 a to the lowertwo hex rivet nuts 993 a positioned and attached to the outside lowersurfaces of vertical sides 992 and 993 of the rear frame 990, as shownin FIGS. 50-52. The stationary base support members 971 and 972 may eachextend rearwardly and outwardly, and forwardly and outwardly, from theirpoints of attachment to the rear frame 990, as shown in FIGS. 50-52, toprovide a stable support for the rear frame 990 and the attached storageand charging system 900 and any supported electronic devices andelectrical cable accessories thereon. In addition, the distal ends ofthe support members 971 and 972 may be equipped with support pads 973 toprovide a support structure of ample length and breadth for thestationary base 970 and all supported structure and apparatus.

In another exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 55-57 illustrate a mobile base975 attached to the rear frame 990. The steel mobile base is attached bybolts 975 a to the lowest and highest of the three hex rivet nuts 993 aattached to the outside lower surfaces of vertical sides 992 and 993 ofthe frame 990. The mobile base 975 includes a right support member 976and a left support member 977 which may each extend rearwardly,forwardly and outwardly from their points of attachment to the frame990. The rearward portions of the support members 976 and 977 areequipped with rear wheels 978 rotatably provided on axles extendingoutwardly from the support members parallel to and at some distancebehind the rear frame 990, as exemplarily shown in the drawings. Theoutwardly extending forward portions of the support members 976 and 977are equipped with dolly wheels 979, which are both pivotable aboutvertical axes and rotatable about horizontal axes, as shown in FIGS.55-57, to provide stable, steerable mobile support for the supportedstructure and any apparatus thereon. The dolly wheels 979 b may eachinclude a conventional lockable foot-operated brake 979 b, which may bea wheel brake or a total wheel and pivot brake, to provide a morestationary support when the brake(s) is locked. A connecting strut 979 aextends between the right and left support members 976 and 977 toprovide lateral stability for the forward portions of the mobile base975. It can be seen that the strut 977 a extends well below thelowermost shelf 930, which is supported with the other shelves incantilever manner by the channel 916 and the attached rear frame 990,which in turn is supported by the mobile base 975 in a mobile manner.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled inthe art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subjectmatter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references(e.g., attached, coupled, connected) are to be construed broadly and mayinclude intermediate members between a connection of elements andrelative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do notnecessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixedrelation to each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly orindirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are describedin one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art willrecognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, oreliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in theabove description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail orstructure may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

Although various representative examples of embodiments of thisinvention have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterationsto the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scopeof the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification andclaims. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly setforth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possibleorder of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize thatsteps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated withoutnecessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. It is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structuremay be made without departing from the spirit of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage and management tower assembly for aplurality of portable electronic devices comprising: a tower support; acable management system defined by the tower support, the cablemanagement system includes a central channel provided on a first side ofthe tower support; a plurality of shelves adapted to be individuallyattachable to a second side of the tower support in removable relation,the second side being opposite the first side, the plurality of shelvesbeing attachable in vertical alignment along the tower support, each ofthe plurality of shelves includes a storage bay defined by a bottomportion engaged with and extending generally perpendicular to the secondside of the tower support and having a rear support shelf protrudingrearwardly from said bottom portion and extending through a one of aplurality of tower support first shelf receiving slots to provide asupport surface within said central channel for electrical apparatus forpowering a portable electronic device placed upon said shelf bottomportion, and opposing raised edge portions provided about a portion ofthe perimeter of the bottom portion and having rearwardly extendingretaining hooks each received by a one of a plurality of tower supportsecond shelf receiving slots positioned above said one tower supportfirst shelf receiving slot and engaged with the tower support to retainthe shelves on the tower support; a plurality of first cable supportapertures provided through the tower support, wherein at least one saidfirst cable support aperture through the tower support is provided foreach of the plurality of shelves; and a plurality of second cablesupport apertures is provided in the plurality of shelves, and whereinat least one second cable support aperture provided in each of theplurality of shelves is provided in communication with at least onetower first cable support aperture of said tower support, wherein thecable management system facilitates storage and protection of one ormore cables by allowing each of the one or more cables to extend fromthe central channel, through a one of the plurality of first cablesupport apertures provided through the tower support, and through atleast one of the plurality of second cable support apertures provided inthe plurality of shelves, to the storage bay of each of the shelves. 2.The storage and management tower assembly of claim 1, wherein a back tabextends from a back end of each said raised edge portion at asubstantially right angle, and wherein the raised edge portions have avertical bias such that they can be deflected inwardly toward the bottomportion to enable a said retaining hook extending rearwardly from eachback tab to each respectively engage a one of a said second shelfreceiving slots when said raised edge portions are returned by said biasto a vertical position and further engage end margins of said secondshelf receiving slots in a channel of a hook portion of each saidretaining hook to additionally retain the shelves on the first member ofthe tower assembly.
 3. The storage and management tower assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said central channel is adapted to support a powerdistribution assembly.
 4. The storage and management tower assembly ofclaim 3, wherein the power distribution assembly is a power strip havinga plurality of electrical outlets, and wherein said central channel isadapted to support the power strip within the confines of said centralchannel.
 5. The storage and management tower assembly of claim 4 whereinthe power strip has a main power supply cord and said central channeldefines a master cable aperture adapted to receive and permit said mainpower supply cord to extend outside said central channel through saidcentral channel master cable aperture to an available facilityelectrical outlet to thereby conduct power to the power strip.
 6. Thestorage and management tower assembly of claim 5 wherein a pair ofJ-hooks are attached in spaced relation on an exposed outer surface ofsaid central channel whereby a portion of the main power cord locatedoutside of said central channel can be conveniently wound around saidJ-hooks for storage and efficient cable management.
 7. The storage andmanagement tower assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofshelves includes a first slot provided between a first one of theopposing raised edge portions and the bottom portion, and a second slotprovided between a second one of the opposing raised edge portions andthe bottom portion, and further comprising a first sidewall received bythe first slots of each of the plurality of shelves, a second sidewallreceived by the second slots of each of the plurality of shelves, a topwall connected to the first and second sidewalls and overlapping amajority of a top most shelf of the plurality of shelves.
 8. The storageand management tower assembly of claim 1, wherein: said tower assemblycentral channel comprises a first vertically extending member, andopposed second and third vertically extending members each coupled at anangle to said first vertically extending member at oppositely extendingedges thereof to form said central channel, and a vertically extendingrectangular rear frame is provided having spaced vertical sides, whereina first vertical frame side is coupled to said second verticallyextending member and a second vertical frame side is coupled to saidthird vertically extending member.
 9. The storage and management towerassembly of claim 8, wherein; a first engagement tab is coupled to saidtower assembly second vertically extending member; a second engagementtab is coupled to said tower assembly third vertically extending memberin planar relationship with said first engagement tab; the first andsecond engagement tabs each include at least one mounting aperture, themounting apertures being adapted to receive fastening members torespectively attach the tower assembly first and second engagement tabsto first and second vertically oriented support surfaces of said rearframe.
 10. The storage and management tower assembly of claim 8, whereinthe tower assembly rear frame is coupled to a support base to providefor free standing support of the tower assembly.
 11. The storage andmanagement tower assembly of claim 8, wherein the tower assembly rearframe is coupled to a wheeled support base to provide for free standingsupport and movement of the tower assembly to one or more locations. 12.An expandable storage assembly for storing and charging a plurality ofportable electronic devices comprising: a tower support portion defininga vertical central channel provided on a first side of the tower supportportion; and a plurality of vertically stacked shelves removablyattachable to a second side of the tower support portion, the secondside being opposite the first side, each of the shelves include astorage bay defined by opposing first and second edge portions whichextend upwardly from a bottom portion, the first and second edgeportions have a generally decreasing height as the first and second edgeportions extend away from the tower support portion to providevisibility into each of the stacked shelves; a protruding rear supportshelf extends rearwardly from the shelf bottom portion through a one ofa plurality of first shelf alignment slots in said vertical centralchannel, which said one first shelf alignment slot provides verticalsupport for the bottom portion, said rear support shelf providing asupport surface within said vertical central channel for electricalapparatus for powering an electronic device placed upon the shelf bottomportion; a pair of opposing first and second back tabs provided on eachof the shelves, the first back tab being coupled to the first edgeportion, the second back tab being coupled to the second edge portion,the first and second back tabs being provided at an approximatelyperpendicular angle to the respective first and second edge portions,wherein the first and second back tabs each include a retaining hookcoupled thereto and projecting rearwardly therefrom and approximatelyparallel to the plane of the shelf bottom portion, each said retaininghook further having a laterally projecting hook portion to define achannel between the hook portion and the rear surface of the back tabfrom which the retaining hook projects, said hook portion of each backtab being adapted to be received by an associated one of a pair ofsecond shelf receiving slots in the channel positioned above said onefirst shelf alignment slot, wherein the first and second edge portionshave a bias to facilitate coupling of each said hook portion of thefirst and second back tabs with a margin of a respective associated oneof the pair of second shelf receiving slots to retain the shelf inengagement with the second side; a plurality of cable apertures providedthrough the tower support, wherein at least one cable aperture isprovided for each of the plurality of shelves; a plurality of shelfapertures, wherein at least one shelf aperture is provided in each ofthe plurality of shelves, the at least one shelf aperture is provided inat least one of the opposing raised edge portions and back tabs, whereinthe cable management system facilitates storage and protection of one ormore electronic cables by allowing each of the one or more cables toextend from the tower support vertical channel through a one of theplurality of cable apertures, and through at least one of the pluralityof shelf apertures, to each of the shelves.
 13. The expandable storageassembly of claim 12 wherein at least one said rear support shelfdefines a plurality of holes to accommodate strap material for securingelectrical apparatus on the rear support shelf.
 14. The storage andmanagement tower assembly of claim 8 wherein: a first engagement tab iscoupled to said tower assembly second vertically extending member; asecond engagement tab is coupled to the tower assembly third verticallyextending member in planar relationship with said first engagement tab;a base is provided having a right support member attached to the outsidelower surface of the lower end of said first vertical side of said rearframe and a left support member attached to the outside lower surface ofthe lower end of said second vertical side of said rear frame inparallel relation to the right support member, said support members eachextending rearwardly and forwardly and outwardly from their respectivepoints of attachment to the rear frame first and second vertical sidesoutside lower surfaces; the distal ends of the forward and rearwardportions of the left and right support members providing a support baseof greater length and breadth than that of the supported storage andmanagement tower assembly and rear frame.
 15. The storage and managementtower assembly of claim 14 wherein said forward and rearward portions ofsaid left and right support members are equipped with wheels to providea mobile base for said storage and management tower assembly.
 16. Thestorage and management tower assembly of claim 15 wherein the wheels ofsaid rearwardly portions of said left and right support members arerotatable on fixed transverse axles attached to said rearwardly portionsof said left and right support members and the wheels of said forwardportions of the said left and right support members are dolly wheelsattached to said forward portions of said left and right support membersand are rotatable about both horizontal and vertical axes.
 17. Themobile storage and management tower assembly of claim 16 wherein aconnecting strut extends between said forwardly portions of said leftand right support members in spaced relation to the lowermost shelf ofsaid storage and management tower assembly to provide lateral stabilityfor the forward portions of the left and right support members of thebase.
 18. The mobile storage and management tower assembly of claim 8wherein the rear frame is provided with a lockable door which ispivotally attached to the rear frame.
 19. The mobile storage andmanagement tower assembly of claim 18 wherein the rear frame has atleast two door receiving slots in a side edge of the frame, and saidlockable door is a metal sheet with at least two side hangers which eachextend outwardly and downwardly from a side edge of said lockable doorto define a downwardly opening slot between the lower extension of saidside hanger and the opposed connected side edge of said lockable door,whereby the upper ends of said downwardly opening slots are respectivelysupported by the lower ends of said door receiving slots to support saidlockable door within the inner margins of said rear frame in a pivotablemanner between an open position and a closed position, said lockabledoor including at least one outwardly projecting door stop which engagesthe rear surface of said rear frame when said lockable door is pivotedto its closed position within the margins of said rear frame and a lockwith a latch which is receivable within a latch receiving slot in theinner side of said rear frame when it is desired to secure said lockabledoor in said closed position to prevent access to the interior of saidcentral channel and its contents.
 20. The mobile storage and managementtower assembly of claim 16 wherein at least one of the forward dollywheels is provided with a foot-operable lockable brake to provide a morestationary base for the mobile storage and management assembly when saidbrake is locked.
 21. The storage and management tower assembly of claim7, further comprising a locking assembly including a door pivotallyconnected to one of the first or second sidewalls, and a lock memberattached to the door for selectively engaging a locking member providedon one of the shelves of the plurality of shelves to retain the door ina closed position to prevent unauthorized insertion or removal ofportable electronic devices to and from the plurality of shelves.